MICHAEL SAKLAD
Belchertown,MA
Summary
Dynamic food and beverage professional with a demonstrated success in developing and executing innovative sales strategies to boost revenue, while ensuring results of goal-driven operations. Skilled in budget management to reduce costs and maximize profits. Passion for food preparation, large and small scale event management, and providing quality experience to clients.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner/Director
Small Axe Craft Beverage Consulting
06.2016 - Current
- Strategic consulting for regional beverage producers ranging in size up to 15,000 Barrels of production annually
- Build top down analysis of current business volumes and help producers understand how to drive growth through tactical strategy adoption
- Operating as liaison between producer and wholesaler partners to build strategy to reach agreed upon goals of for growth within assigned territory
- Build understanding of how producers can differentiate their brands and increase brand knowledge in existing and new markets
- Define sales team strategies, building specific territory boundaries to drive strategic growth based upon volume
- Define marketing and communication standards and strategies
- Assist with building and execution of comprehensive Annual Business Plans.
Eastern Territory Sales Manager
Country Malt Group
03.2014 - 11.2016
- Responsible for supplying breweries, cider producers, and distilleries with raw materials in MA, NY, RI, and CT
- Managed over 450 accounts throughout territory
- Negotiated bulk grain contracts for large production facilities
- Brokered present and future hop contracts for Yakima Chief Hops
- Attended yearly hop selection with select accounts to choose current-year harvest
- Reported weekly to state of the territory with respect to growth trend, budgets, and goals.
Eastern Regional Sales Manager
Stone Brewing Company
03.2003 - 02.2014
- Operate as a player/coach to strengthen the team and display successful sales tactics
- Responsible for the performance of the sales team for the entire market east of the Mississippi River
- Hired, trained, and supervised seven sales representatives in effective sales techniques
- Assist with logistics of shipments to the Eastern region
- Planned and executed brand market launches throughout the Eastern region.
- Developed and executed successful sales plans to achieve consistent growth in market share within the territory.
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager/Catering Director
Old Tucson Studios
03.1998 - 03.2003
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing food and beverage and catering operations.
- Reduced waste and controlled inventory levels by implementing effective purchasing strategies and proper storage procedures.
- Responsible for overseeing operations for on-site events such as catering, hospitality for artists performing at concert venues, and seasonal special events.
- Assisted in menu development, incorporating seasonal ingredients and trending flavors to appeal to a diverse clientele.
- Maintained open lines of communication with kitchen staff to ensure timely execution of orders during peak service periods.
Catering Manager
Mcmenamins Edgefield
09.1996 - 09.1998
- Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with the catering sales team to create customized menus tailored to specific preferences and needs.
- Increased staff productivity through effective scheduling practices that ensured optimal coverage during peak periods.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
Catering Worker-UMass Catering
University Of Massachusetts-Amherst
09.1994 - 08.1996
- Ensured timely food preparation and delivery for seamless event execution.
- Demonstrated flexibility in handling diverse catering needs, from small gatherings to large corporate events.
- Supported successful events by setting up venue spaces according to client specifications.
- Streamlined the serving process through efficient buffet line management.
- Meticulously prepared food items according to recipes while maintaining proper portion control.
- Increased efficiency by assisting in equipment setup, breakdown, and maintenance during events.
Production Cook-Hampshire Dining Commons
University Of Massachusetts-Amherst
09.1992 - 09.1994
- Enhanced food quality by adhering to strict recipe guidelines.
- Prepared ingredients efficiently, reducing overall preparation time for meal assembly.
- Streamlined production processes for increased efficiency and reduced waste.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Collaborated with team members to meet daily production goals and deadlines.
Production Cook/Bakery Worker
Cafe' Louis'
02.1989 - 09.1992
- Enhanced food quality by adhering to strict recipe guidelines and using fresh ingredients.
- Ensured proper food handling techniques were followed to minimize the risk of contamination or spoilage.
- Prepped ingredients efficiently, reducing overall preparation time for meal assembly.
- Demonstrated versatility within the role by performing various tasks such as decorating cakes, preparing doughs, mixing batters, and baking pastries as required for business needs.
- Assisted in the development of new menu items, contributing to an expanded product offering that attracted new customers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Conservation
University of Massachusetts
Amherst05.1996
Skills
- Management Collaboration
- Self-Motivated
- Event Planning Proficiency
- Staff Supervision
- Time Management
- Event Planning
- Ingredient Preparation
- Kitchen Operations
- Batch Cooking
- Kitchen Equipment Operation
Certification
- Certified Beer Server
- Ciccerone Certification Program, 2012
- Siebel Institute, Sensory Analysis Training, 2009
Timeline
Owner/Director
Small Axe Craft Beverage Consulting
06.2016 - Current
Eastern Territory Sales Manager
Country Malt Group
03.2014 - 11.2016
Eastern Regional Sales Manager
Stone Brewing Company
03.2003 - 02.2014
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager/Catering Director
Old Tucson Studios
03.1998 - 03.2003
Catering Manager
Mcmenamins Edgefield
09.1996 - 09.1998
Catering Worker-UMass Catering
University Of Massachusetts-Amherst
09.1994 - 08.1996
Production Cook-Hampshire Dining Commons
University Of Massachusetts-Amherst
09.1992 - 09.1994
Production Cook/Bakery Worker
Cafe' Louis'
02.1989 - 09.1992
Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Conservation
University of Massachusetts
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